What is Safer Homes?

Safer Homes is an initiative set up to help both the police and members of the public. It includes a training video and security advice which enables residents to help protect themselves.

But pushing security advice isn’t the sole objective of the Safer Homes scheme. How the police care for victims of burglary, their neighbours, and the community, is at the heart of the Home Office-backed campaign.

Deputy Chief Constable for Cheshire Graeme Gerrard said: “We reviewed and improved every element of the way burglary is handled as part of the Safer Homes initiative - from the moment we receive the initial call from the victim, to the court case and beyond, to when persistent offenders are released from prison.

“Call handlers are trained to ask burglary victims specific questions. They’ve also been specially trained to offer immediate crime scene preservation advice, so from the first moment the victim is speaking to us, we are preserving vital evidence, linking the criminal to the burglary.

“Crime scene investigators speak directly to the victim and make arrangements to visit them. Any evidence from the crime scene is fast-tracked through the forensic process.

“Specially trained burglary officers visit the victim and guide them through the new burglary victim pack. This offers practical advice, guidance about property marking, details on how they can contact us, and a free property kit containing an ultra-violet marker pen to mark up their property. We also post alert cards through neighbours’ properties to make them aware that a thief may be operating in their area.

“People who have been burgled feel traumatised, angry or vulnerable. Our officers do all they can to help ease that suffering. They keep the householder up-to-date with the investigation and resulting arrests.”

And it’s not just the police and its staff who have an important part to play in reducing the number of burglaries in the community. Members of the public can also help in the fight against crime.

Mr Gerrard said: “There are so many cheap and easy ways a person can improve the security of their homes and property. Sensor lights, gate locks, property marking, prickly plants, the list is endless.

“People can also protect themselves by joining forces and getting a Home Watch scheme up and running.”

There are already many successful Home Watch schemes up and running in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

Scheme members keep an eye out for each other’s property and become the eyes and ears of the community. They enjoy a real peace of mind and the quality of life in the neighbourhood can be significantly enhanced.

Sadly, the quality of life for some members of the public has already been affected by burglars. Fortunately, there are people who can help.

Cheshire Victim and Witness Support work with the police to give emotional support and practical help to burglary victims. Ann Crewe of Cheshire Victim Support, said: “Burglary is a very serious but common crime. Perhaps the victim was at home and someone tricked their way in, or more likely, they were out at work.

“People can be affected by burglary even if none of their property has been stolen. Most people are upset just at the thought that someone has been in their home against their wishes. Some people no longer feel secure in their home after a burglary. Children in particular can be very frightened.

“Cheshire Victim Support welcomes and supports the Cheshire Constabulary Safer Homes and will work alongside the dedicated officers to support and help victims of crime within Cheshire. Halton and Warrington.”

Mr Gerrard added: “It’s not just about the police reacting to burglary. Safer Homes is about getting everyone in the community to work together in the fight against burglary.

“We want people to stop and think about how they can make their homes safe and secure. We are going to get tough on burglars and put a stop to these offenders gaining from people’s misery.”